Foldable cellular telephone

ABSTRACT

A cellular phone includes a first case and a second case, which are connected in a foldable manner through a hinge. When the cellular phone is in a folded state, a second display unit displays an image with the side (upper side) closer to the hinge as the upper side. Accordingly, the user can hold the second case of the cellular phone in his/her hand regardless of whether the cellular phone is in a folded state or in an open state. The user can easily switch between a folded state and an open state with respect to the first case and the second case.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application is a Divisional of application Ser. No. 10/580,991filed on Oct. 16, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,471,966 which is aDivisional of application Ser. No. 10/465,869 filed Jun. 20, 2003, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,155,253 issued Dec. 26, 2006, which claims priority toJapanese Patent Application No. 2002-180953, filed Jun. 21, 2002, theentire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cellular telephone with photographingcapability, and particularly, a foldable cellular telephone.

2. Description of the Background Art

Cellular telephones now widely used are mainly divided into a straighttype, a flip type, and a clam shell type, based on their configuration.The clam shell type phone has higher needs than the other two types byvirtue of its compactness allowed by its foldability.

Many recent cellular/mobile telephones incorporate a liquid crystalsubdisplay or a camera function at the back side plane of the liquidcrystal display.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a conventional clam shell type cellularphone with a camera. This cellular phone 100 is composed of a first case101 and a second case 102, which are coupled via a hinge 103. Cellularphone 100 has a foldable configuration through the movement with hinge103 as the axis in angular displacement. Cellular phone 100 of FIG. 10has a first display unit 104 provided at first case 101. First displayunit 104 is arranged so as to be located at the inner side when cellularphone 101 is folded. First display unit 104 (main display) isimplemented with a liquid crystal display, an EL (Electro-Luminescent)display, or the like to display an image based on image data transmittedvia a first display driver provided in the case. At the back side planeof first case 101 are provided an antenna unit 105 and a helical member106 that can move up and down. At the side plane of first case 101 isprovided a second shutter button 107 of a camera. At the region abovefirst display unit 104, a first speaker 108 used in conversation isprovided.

An open/close detection unit 109 is identified as detection means fordetecting whether cellular phone 100 attains a folded state or not. Aprojection 109A is located in the proximity of hinge 103 at the lowerregion of first case 101. A small hole 109B is located in the proximityof hinge 103 at the upper region of second case 102. A detection switch(not shown) is provided in hole 109B. Projection 109A, hole 109B and theswitch constitute open/close detection unit 109. When mobile telephone100 attains a folded state, projection 109A of first case 101 fits intohole 109B of second case 102 to actuate the detection switch (notshown). Determination is made that cellular phone 100 attains a foldedstate by means of a control unit provided in the case.

Second case 102 of conventional cellular phone 100 will be describedhereinafter. An input button unit 110 is formed of keys and the like toenter numerics and characters. A function button unit 111 is a group ofbuttons for performing various kinds of setting and function selectionin a cellular phone. Function button unit 111 includes a power button112 to turn the power on/off, a first shutter button 113 correspondingto a camera function that will be described afterwards, a mail/guidancebutton 114 to conduct mail operation and guidance display, astart/speaker conversation button 115 to initiate conversation throughspeaker receiver, and a multi-guide button 116 formed of 4-way buttonsand a determination button to select and determine the vertical andhorizontal direction in the function select screen. A mouthpiecemicrophone 117 is provided at the lower region of second case 102.

Second case 102 of a common cellular phone generally has the arrangementof hinge 103, function button group 111, input button group 110, andmouthpiece microphone 117 disposed sequentially.

Referring to FIG. 11, the back side plane of first case 101 includes asecond display unit 120, a camera unit 121, a light unit 122, and theaforementioned antenna unit 105.

Second display unit 120 is arranged so as to be located at the outerside when cellular phone 100 is folded. Second display unit 120(subdisplay) is implemented with a liquid crystal display, an ELdisplay, or the like to display an image based on image data transmittedvia a second display driver provided in the case.

Camera unit 121 includes an image sensing lens, an image sensing devicesuch as a CCD (Charged Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS(Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, and a colorfilter of the three colors of RGB (Red-Green-Blue). In camera unit 2,the light reflected from a subject of image pick up enters the imagesensing lens to be converted into light of the three colors of RGBthrough a color filter, and further provided to said image sensingdevice. As shown in FIG. 11, camera unit 121 is disposed to be locatedat the outer side when cellular phone 100 is folded.

Light unit 122 is used as an auxiliary light source when taking apicture through camera unit 121. Although many employ xenon tubes,recent cellular phones have the LEDs (Light Emitting Diode) of RGBilluminated at the same time to provide white light illumination used asthe auxiliary light source.

At the back side plane of second case 102 are provided a battery unit123 to store a battery, and a second speaker 124 to sound a ringingtone.

The manner of using conventional cellular phone 100 in a camera shootingmode will be described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 14A and 14B.In the case where the user of cellular phone 100 is to take a picture ofa subject, the user of cellular phone 100 opens cellular phone 100 andaims camera unit 121 towards the subject of interest, as shown in FIG.14A. First display unit 104 is used as a viewfinder. In the case wherethe user of cellular phone 100 is to take a picture of himself/herself,the user can pick up an image while confirming the shooting image byusing second display unit 120 as the viewfinder, as shown in FIG. 14B.In the latter case where second display unit 120 is used for the displayin camera shooting, many common cellular phones have the image reversedbilaterally to be displayed as a mirror reversed image to eliminate anydiscomfort in looking into the screen. As the camera shutter button,either first shutter button 113 or second shutter button 107 located atthe side plane of first case 101 may be used when in the statecorresponding to FIG. 14A. In the state corresponding to FIG. 14B,second shutter button 107 is used for shooting with cellular phone 100in a folded state. However, shooting in an open state is also allowed.In this case, second shutter button 107 located at the side plane offirst case 101 is to be used.

The above-described clam shell type onboard camera cellular phoneincluding two display means has various shortcomings.

The first problem is the matter of changing the hand holding position.As to the vertical orientation of the clam shell type cellular phone inan open state and a folded state, the cellular phone is used withhelical member 106 located at the upper side as shown in FIGS. 10 and12, respectively. Therefore, when the user takes a picture ofhimself/herself with cellular phone 100 closed (refer to FIG. 14B), andthen proceeds to the next operation of shooting a different subject(refer to FIG. 14A) or conducting various image settings through firstdisplay unit 104, the user must change his/her hand holding position byrotating 180 degrees the top and bottom position of cellular phone 100,and then open cellular phone 100.

In the case where cellular phone 100 is to be used in an open stateafter looking at a mail message, an incoming phone call designation, orthe time through second display unit 120, the hand holding position ofcellular phone 100 must be changed by rotating cellular phone 100 upsidedown, and then open cellular phone 100.

In the opposite case where cellular phone 100 is to be used in a foldedstate from an open state, the hand holding position of cellular phone100 must be changed in the opposite direction after being folded. Theaction of changing the hand holding position to appropriately match theusage manner of the cellular phone is tedious for the user.

The second problem is that antenna unit 105 provided at the back sideplane of first case 101 occupies a relatively large region. The trend incellular phones is to provide a larger area of second display unit 120,i.e., the subdisplay at the back side plane, so that more informationcan be displayed for the user even if the cellular phone is folded.However, it is appreciated from FIGS. 11 and 12 that antenna unit 105occupies a relatively large area at the back side plane of first case101, restricting the degree of freedom in the arrangement of subdisplayunit 120. It was not possible to provide a large area for thesubdisplay.

The third problem is also associated with the antenna. Antenna unit 105is formed having a convex configuration at the back side plane of firstcase 101. If buttons such as the shutter button and subdisplay operationbuttons are to be provided at this back side plane, antenna unit 105will cause inconvenience in the operation of the user depressing suchbuttons with his/her finger. There was a problem that buttonmanipulation is disturbed.

The fourth problem is related to the compactness of a cellular phone.Although the demand for a compact cellular phone is mandatory, cellularphone 100 with a camera must have a predetermined thickness toincorporate the lens and the CCDs constituting camera unit 21. In thecase where the camera unit is disposed at the leading end of first case101, the leading end cannot be reduced in thickness since the thicknessto accommodate the camera unit is required. In the opposite case wherethe camera unit is disposed at the hinge side, the user's hand may blockthe field of view of the lens when shooting is conducted with cellularphone 100 in a folded state. This is not adaptable to practicable usage.

The fifth problem is associated with hand shaking. In the case where thecamera unit is disposed at the leading end of first case 101 andshooting is to be conducted with the cellular phone in an open state,the camera unit will be located far away from the hand of the user whois holding second case 102. Therefore, the effect of hand shaking isgreatest under such circumstances. If the camera unit is disposed at thehinge side and shooting is to be conducted with cellular phone 100 in afolded state, the user's hand may block the field of view of the lens,as described in the above fourth problem. Therefore, this is notadaptable to practical usage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, an object of the present invention is toimprove the operability and convenience of a cellular phone.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a cellular phoneincludes a first case, a second case, and a coupling unit to couple thefirst and second cases in a foldable manner. The first case includes afirst display unit located at the inner side when the cellular phone isin a folded state. The cellular phone attains a folded state and an opensate by the first and second cases pivoting about the coupling unit. Thefirst case also includes a second display unit and an image pick-up unitlocated at the outer side when the cellular phone is in the foldedstate. The cellular phone further includes a display control unitcausing the second display unit to display an image picked up throughthe image pick-up unit with the side closer to the coupling unit locatedat the upper side when the first and second cases are folded.

Accordingly, the image picked up through the image pick-up unit can bedisplayed at the second display unit located at the same outer side asthe image pick-up unit. Therefore the user can confirm the pick-up imagewith the coupling unit located at the upper side in the state where thecellular phone is folded. When the user is to look at the pick-up imagewith the cellular phone in a folded state, he/she no longer has to alterthe orientation of the cellular phone or change his/her hand holdingposition. The operability and convenience of the cellular phone areimproved.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a cellular phoneincludes a first case, a second case, and a coupling unit coupling thefirst and second cases in a foldable manner. The cellular phone attainsa folded state and an open sate by the first and second cases pivotingabout the coupling unit. The first case includes a first display unitlocated at an inner side when the cellular phone is in a folded state,and a second display unit located at an outer side when the cellularphone is in the folded state. The cellular phone further includes animage pick-up unit located at a position also allowing visualconfirmation of the second display unit when the first and second casesare in the folded state, and a display control unit causing the seconddisplay unit to display an image picked up through the image pick-upunit with the side closer to the coupling unit located at the upper sidewhen the first and second cases are folded.

Accordingly, the image picked up through the image pick-up unit can bedisplayed at the second display unit located at a position also allowingvisual confirmation of the image pick-up unit at the same time.Therefore, the user can confirm the pick-up image with the coupling unitlocated at the upper side when the cellular phone is in the foldedstate. When the user views a pick-up image with the cellular phone inthe folded state, he/she no longer has to alter the orientation of thecellular phone or change his/her hand holding position. The operabilityand convenience of the cellular phone are improved.

In the cellular phone of the present aspect, the display control unitpreferably causes the second display unit to display an image picked upthrough the image pick-up unit with the side closer to the coupling unitlocated at the lower side in the state where the cellular phone is inthe open state.

Accordingly, the display unit to display the image picked up by theimage pick-up unit can be switched appropriately in accordance with theoperation of the user folding or opening the cellular phone. Therefore,the user does not have to change his/her hand holding position of thecellular phone in response to a folding or opening operation, asrequired in a conventional cellular phone. Therefore, the operabilityand convenience of the cellular phone are improved.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a cellular phoneincludes a first case, a second case, and a coupling unit coupling thefirst and second cases in a foldable manner. The cellular phone attainsa folded state and an open sate by the first and second cases pivotingabout the coupling unit. The first case includes a first display unitlocated at an inner side when the cellular phone is in the folded state.The first case also includes a second display unit and an image pick-upunit located at an outer side when the cellular phone is in the foldedstate. The second case includes an antenna. The cellular phone of thepresent aspect further includes a display control unit causing thesecond display unit to display an image picked up through the imagepick-up unit.

Accordingly, an image picked up by the image pick-up unit can bedisplayed at the second display unit located at a case different fromthat of the antenna, and located at the same outer side as the imagepick-up unit of the first case. Therefore, the user can confirm thepick-up image through the large screen of the second display unit evenwhen the cellular phone is in the folded state. When the user wants tolook at the pick-up image, the user does not have to open/close thecellular phone just to view the image. Also, the image can be confirmedthrough a relatively larger screen. Thus, the operability andconvenience of the cellular phone are improved.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a cellularphone includes a first case, a second case, and a coupling unit couplingthe first and second cases in a foldable manner. The cellular phoneattains a folded state and an open sate by the first and second casespivoting about the coupling unit. The first case includes a firstdisplay unit located at an inner side when the cellular phone is in afolded state, and a second display unit located at an outer side whenthe cellular phone is in the folded state. The second case includes anantenna. The cellular phone further includes an image pick-up unitlocated at a position also allowing visual confirmation of the seconddisplay unit when the cellular phone is in the folded state, and adisplay control unit causing the second display unit to display an imagepicked up through the image pick-up unit.

Accordingly, the image picked up by the image pick-up unit can bedisplayed at the second display unit located at a case different fromthat of the antenna, and located at a position also allowing visualconfirmation of the image pick-up unit. Therefore, the user can confirmthe pick-up image through a large screen of the second display unit evenwhen the cellular phone is folded. When the user wants to look at thepick-up image, the user does not have to open/close the cellular phonejust to view the image. Also, the image can be confirmed through arelatively larger screen. Thus, the operability and convenience of thecellular phone are improved.

In the cellular phone of the present aspect, the display control unitpreferably causes the second display unit to display an image picked upthrough the image pick-up unit with the side closer to the coupling unitlocated at the upper side when the cellular phone is in the foldedstate, and with the side closer to the coupling unit located at thelower side when the cellular phone is in the open state with the firstand second cases not folded.

Thus, the display unit displaying the image picked up by the imagepick-up unit can be switched appropriately in accordance with theoperation of folding or closing the cellular phone. The user can confirmthe picked-up image with the coupling unit located at the upper side inthe state where the cellular phone attains a folded state. The user nolonger has to change his/her hand holding position of the cellular phonein accordance with the folding or opening operation, as required in aconventional cellular phone. In other words, the operability andconvenience of the cellular phone are improved.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention, a cellularphone includes a first case, a second case, and a coupling unit couplingthe first and second cases in a foldable manner. The cellular phoneattains a folded state and an open sate by the first and second casespivoting about the coupling unit. The first case includes a firstdisplay unit located at an inner side when the cellular phone is in thefolded state, and a second display unit located at an outer side whenthe cellular phone is in the folded state. The cellular phone includesan image pick-up unit arranged between the coupling unit and the seconddisplay unit, and a display control unit causing the second display unitto display an image picked up through the image pick-up unit.

Accordingly, the image pick-up unit is located closer to the couplingunit than the second display unit. Since the region of the first case inthe proximity of the coupling unit is the region where a large connectorand the like to establish coupling with the second case must beprovided, the thickness of the first case will not change even if theimage pick-up unit is disposed at this region.

The leading end side of the first case, opposite to the coupling unitside, requires only a thickness corresponding to the second display unitthat is thinner than the image pick-up unit.

By disposing the image pick-up unit closer to the coupling unit sidethan the second display unit, the leading end of the first case can bereduced in thickness without affecting the thickness of the region inthe proximity of the coupling unit.

Therefore, the entire cellular phone can be reduced in size. This leadsto reduction in the fabrication cost for manufacturers of cellularphones. Furthermore, the convenience for the user is improved by virtueof compactness.

The arrangement of the image pick-up unit in the neighborhood of thecoupling unit allows the effect of handshaking to be reduced duringshooting with the cellular phone in the open state since the user willhold the second case at the region close to the image pick-up unit.

In the case where the cellular phone is in a folded state, the couplingunit is located at the upper side. The image pick-up unit will belocated upper than the second display unit. Therefore, when the userholds the cellular phone in a folded state to conduct shooting, theuser's hand will no longer block the image pick-up unit. Therefore, theuser can hold the cellular phone without having to be aware of thelocation of the image pick-up unit when shooting is to be conducted withthe cellular phone in a folded state. Thus, the operability andconvenience of the cellular phone are improved.

According to yet a further aspect of the present invention, a cellularphone includes a first case, a second case, and a coupling unit couplingthe first and second cases in a foldable manner. The cellular phoneattains a folded state and an open sate by the first and second casespivoting about the coupling unit. The first case includes a firstdisplay unit located at an inner side when the cellular phone is in thefolded state, and a second display unit located at an outer side whenthe cellular phone is in the folded state. The cellular phone furtherincludes an image pick-up unit arranged between the coupling unit andthe second display unit, and a display control unit causing the seconddisplay unit to display an image picked up through the image pick-upunit with the side closer to the coupling unit located at the upper sidein the state where the cellular phone is in the folded state.

Accordingly, the coupling unit is located at the upper side, and theimage pick-up unit is located upper than the second display unit whenthe cellular phone is in the folded state. Therefore, when the userholds the cellular phone in the folded state to pick-up an image, theuser's hand will not block the image pick-up unit. The user can hold thecellular phone without having to be aware of the location of the imagepick-up unit when shooting is to be conducted with the cellular phone ina folded state. Therefore, the operability and convenience of thecellular phone are improved.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a cellularphone includes a case, a second case, and a coupling unit coupling thefirst and second cases in a foldable manner. The cellular phone attainsa folded state and an open sate by the first and second cases pivotingabout the coupling unit. The first case includes a first display unitlocated at an inner side when the cellular phone is in the folded state.The first case also includes a second display unit and an image pick-upunit located at the outer side when the cellular phone is in the foldedstate. The second case includes a shutter button at an inner side regionused to store an image picked up by the image pick-up unit when thecellular phone is in the folded state. The second case also includes anantenna. The image pick-up unit is arranged between the coupling unitand the second display unit.

Accordingly, the image picked up by the image pick-up unit can bedisplayed at the second display unit located at a case different fromthat of the antenna and the shutter button, and located at the sameouter side as the image pick-up unit of the first case. Therefore, theuser can confirm a pick-up image through a larger screen of the seconddisplay unit even when the cellular phone is in the folded state.Furthermore, the event of the user's hands blocking the image pick-upunit when manipulating the shutter button can be avoided. When the userwants to look at the pick-up image, the user does not have to open/closethe cellular phone just to view the image. Also, the image can beconfirmed through a relatively larger screen. Furthermore, the user canoperate the shutter button without having to be aware of the location ofthe image pick-up unit. Thus, the operability and convenience of thecellular phone are improved.

In the cellular phone of the present invention, the second casepreferably includes a shutter button located at an outer side regionwhen the cellular phone is in the folded state, used to store an imagepicked up by the image pick-up unit.

Accordingly, when the user is to take a picture of himself/herself withthe cellular phone in the folded state, shooting is allowed by operatingthe shutter button provided at the outer side of the first case. Theuser can easily identify the position of the shutter button with thecellular phone in the folded state. Therefore, the shooting operation isfacilitated. Thus, the user does not have to look for a small shutterbutton provided at the side of the first case and that was not easilydiscernable, as in a conventional cellular phone.

In the cellular phone of the present invention, the second casepreferably includes an operation unit to operate on a display in thesecond display unit. The operation unit is located at an outer side whenthe cellular phone is in the folded state.

Therefore, various information including function setting, an addresslist, mail confirmation/display and the like can be selectivelydisplayed or dispatched through the second display unit. Zooming and thelike of the picked-up image are allowed through the operation unit evenif the cellular phone is in the folded state. Therefore, many operationscan be conducted even when the cellular phone attains the folded state.The operability and convenience of the cellular phone are improved.

Preferably, the cellular phone of the present invention further includesan operation control unit rotating 180° an image picked up by the imagepick-up unit when the first and second cases are in the folded state andstoring the rotated image.

Therefore, the stored image can be displayed always in the same verticalorientation regardless of whether being displayed through the firstdisplay unit or the second display unit, and whether the cellular phoneis in the folded state or an open state. Thus, the event of an imagepicked up with the cellular phone in a folded state being displayedupside down when reproduced afterwards can be avoided. The operabilityand convenience of a cellular phone are improved.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of thepresent invention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of the present invention when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an appearance of a cellular phoneaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the appearance of the cellular phone ofFIG. 1 when viewed from the backside.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the appearance of the cellular phone ofFIG. 1 in a folded state.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the appearance of the cellular phone of FIG. 1in a folded state.

FIG. 5A shows a general manner of a user of the cellular phone of FIG. 1taking a picture of a subject.

FIG. 5B shows a general manner of a user of the cellular phone of FIG. 1taking a picture of himself/herself.

FIG. 6 is a schematic transverse sectional view of the cellular phone ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 7A shows another example of an antenna provided at the cellularphone of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7B shows still another example of an antenna provided at thecellular phone of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the cellular phone of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an image pick-up process executed by thecellular phone of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an appearance of a conventionalcellular phone.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the appearance of a conventionalcellular phone when viewed from the back side.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the appearance of a conventionalcellular phone in a folded state.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the appearance of a conventional cellularphone in a folded state.

FIG. 14A shows a general manner of a user of a conventional cellularphone taking a picture of a subject.

FIG. 14B shows a general manner of a user of the conventional cellularphone taking a picture of himself/herself.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference tothe drawings. Referring to FIG. 1, a cellular phone 1 of the presentinvention includes a first case 2 and a second case 3, coupled via ahinge 4. Cellular phone 1 has a foldable configuration through themovement with hinge 4 as the axis in angular displacement. Cellularphone 1 includes a first display unit 5 at first case 2. First displayunit 5 is arranged so as to be located at an inner side when cellularphone 1 is folded. In the present specification, the inner side whencellular phone 1 is folded refers to the side where first case 2 andsecond case 3 abut against each other when folded. The outer side refersto the side where first case 2 and second case 3 do not abut againsteach other when folded. First display unit 5 is implemented with aliquid crystal display, an EL display or the like to display an imagebased on image data transmitted via a first display driver 43 that willbe described afterwards. A first speaker 6 used in conversation isprovided at an upper region of first display unit 5.

Second case 3 of cellular phone 1 will be described hereinafter. Aninput button group 7 is formed of keys and the like to enter numericsand characters. A function button group 8 is a group of buttons forperforming various kinds of setting and function selection in cellularphone 1. Function button group 8 includes a power button 9 to turnon/off the power, first shutter button 10 corresponding to a camerafunction, a mail/guidance button 11 corresponding to mail function andguidance display, a start/speaker conversation button 12 to initiateconversation through speaker receiver, and a multiguide button 13 formedof 4-way buttons and a determination button to select the vertical andhorizontal directions and determination in a function select screen. Amouthpiece microphone 14 is provided at the lower region of second case102.

Second case 3 of cellular phone 1 generally has hinge 4, function buttongroup 8, input button group 7, and mouthpiece microphone 14 arranged inthis order. However, the arrangement is not limited thereto.

As shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the back side plane of first case 2 has acamera unit 21 and a light unit 22 arranged in order from the side ofhinge 4. Then, a second display unit 20, a second shutter button 23, anda second operation button group 24 are arranged in this order.

Second display unit 20 is arranged so as to be located at the outer sidewhen cellular phone 1 is folded. Second display unit 20 is implementedwith a liquid crystal display, an EL display, or the like to display animage based on image data of a picked-up image transmitted via a seconddisplay driver 44 that will be described afterwards, time information,radio field intensity, and character images of mail reception display.When such images are to be displayed, the image data transmitted fromsecond display driver 44 to second display unit 20 is provided so thatthe region of hinge 4 is located at the upper direction when displayed,i.e. the area of second display unit 20 closer to hinge 4 is located atthe upper side. By displaying an image in second display unit 20 so thathinge 4 is located at the upper side, the user will hold cellular phone1 with hinge 4 located at the upper side when used in a folded state.Therefore, the orientation of second case 3 does not have to be changedeven when used in an open state or closed state of cellular phone 1. Inother words, the user does not have to change his/her hand holdingposition of cellular phone 1 each time he/she opens or closes cellularphone 1. Therefore, the operability and convenience are improved. Theimage display of second display unit 20 can include a pick-up image.When the user wants to look at the pick-up image, the user no longer hasto alter the orientation or change the hand holding position of cellularphone 1. Thus, operability and convenience are improved.

By moving the location of the antenna at the back side of first case 2to another location, the restriction at the back side plane of firstcase 2 is eliminated. Second display unit 20 larger than theconventional one can be provided. Thus, a great amount of information oftexts and images can be displayed. Furthermore, provision of secondoperation button group 24 allows various displays such as confirmingcontents of a mail message, looking into an address list, sequentialdisplay of a plurality of images, and the like on second display unit 20even if the cellular phone 1 is used in a closed state. The imagedisplay of second display unit 20 also includes pick-up images. The usercan confirm a pick-up image through a large screen of second displayunit 20 even in a folded state. Therefore, when the user wants to lookat the pick-up image, the user does not have to open/close the cellularphone each time just to view the image. The operability and convenienceare improved.

Camera unit 21 includes an image sensing lens, an image sensing devicesuch as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS(Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, and a colorfilter of the three colors of RGB. In camera unit 21, the lightreflected from a subject of image pick up enters the image sensing lensto be converted into light of the three colors of RGB through a colorfilter, and further provided to said image sensing device. As shown inFIG. 2, camera unit 21 is arranged between hinge 4 and second displayunit 20 to be located at the outer side when cellular phone 100 isfolded. When the user takes a picture with cellular phone 1 open, theuser will conduct shooting holding second case 3. Since camera unit 21is located close to hinge 4 by the above-described arrangement, theneighborhood of camera unit 21 will be supported by the hand of the userwhen holding first case 2. Therefore, the effect of hand shaking by theuser during shooting can be alleviated. By virtue of a larger seconddisplay unit 20 as a result of removing the antenna from the back sideof first case 2, the image picked up during the shooting operation canbe easily confirmed from the subject side with little hand shakingthrough a large screen.

Light unit 22 is used as an auxiliary light source when shooting isconducted through camera unit 21. Although many generally employ xenontubes, recent cellular phones have the LEDs of RGB illuminated at thesame time to provide white light illumination used as the auxiliarylight source.

Second shutter button 23 is arranged at the middle of the back sideplane of first case 2, and is located below second display unit 20 inthe state where cellular phone 1 is folded, as shown in FIG. 3. Byarranging second shutter button 23 at this position, the user can easilyidentify the shutter button position with cellular phone 1 in a foldedstate. Therefore, the shooting operation is facilitated. Also, the userno longer has to look for a small and indiscernible shutter buttonconventionally provided at the side of the first case, as required in aconventional cellular phone. Thus, operability and convenience areimproved.

To the left and right of second shutter button 23 are provided secondoperation button groups 24A and 24B for various setting/operation basedon the contents displayed on second display unit 3. The second operationbutton group is co-operative with second display unit 20 to performvarious setting of functions, display/retrieval in an address list, andmail check/display/dispatch. Also, zooming during shooting, front andback forwarding of a plurality of pick-up images, and the like can beoperated.

By disposing second operation button groups 24A and 24B at thisposition, the user can readily identify the position of second operationbutton groups 24A and 24B and manipulate the same with cellular phone 1in a folded state.

Referring to FIG. 2 again, an antenna unit 25, a helical member 26 thatcan move vertically, a battery unit 27 to store a battery, and a secondspeaker 28 to sound a ringing tone are provided at the back side planeof second case 3.

Description of cellular phone 1 is further continued with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4.

First case 2 is mechanically connected with second case 3 through hinge4. A flexible substrate to establish electrical connection between thefirst and second cases 2 and 3 is incorporated in hinge 4. In the regionof first case 2 in the proximity of hinge 4 is provided a connector toconnect the flexible circuit board and cables with various circuitboards provided in first case 2. The thickness of the connector mostgreatly affects the thickness of first case 2. The thickness of cameraunit 21 is smaller than that of the conductor. Therefore, arrangement ofcamera unit 21 in the proximity of the connector will not affect thethickness of first case 2. Therefore, in contrast to a conventionalcellular phone having the camera unit arranged in the neighborhood ofthe leading end of first case 2 (the neighborhood at the lower side inFIG. 3) so that the thickness of second case 2 at the leading end regionexcluding the antenna unit region depends upon the thickness of thecamera unit, the cellular phone of the present embodiment has cameraunit 21 arranged between antenna unit 25 and second display unit 20,i.e., in the neighborhood of hinge 4, so that the middle region of firstcase 2 corresponds to the thickness of second display unit 20 while theleading end of first case 2 can be further reduced in thickness andsize. As shown in FIG. 4, first case 2 has the thickness graduallyreduced from the center region towards the leading end region. Theconfiguration of cellular phone 1 having the leading end area of firstcase 2 corresponding to the lower region of cellular phone 1 reduced inthickness in a folded state is advantageous in that the user can readilyslide in cellular phone 1 into his/her pocket when not used. Therefore,convenience is improved.

The provision of second display unit 20 between camera unit 21 andsecond shutter button 23 or second operation button group 24 ensures apredetermined distance between camera unit 21 and second shutter button23 or second operation button group 24. This eliminates the problem ofthe user's finger erroneously touching camera unit 21 or blocking thefield of view of camera unit 21 when the user is operating secondshutter button 23 or second operation button group 24. Preventing theuser's finger from inadvertently touching camera unit 21 so as to avoidscratching or adherence of contamination onto the lens and the like willeventually improve the durability and maintain the performance of thecellular phone.

By the structure of holding cellular phone 1 with hinge 4 at the upperside in a folded state, camera unit 21 will not be blocked by the user'shand when held in a folded state. The user can hold cellular phone 1without having to be aware of the position of camera unit 21.

A manner of using cellular phone 1 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention in a camera shooting operation will be described withreference to FIGS. 5A and 5B. When the user is to take a picture of asubject, he/she will open cellular phone 1 and aim camera unit 21towards the subject, using first display unit 5 as a viewfinder, asshown in FIG. 5A. In this case, the user uses first shutter button 10 asthe shutter button. Additionally, second shutter button 23 located atthe back side plane of first case 2 can also be used. Consider the casewhere the user of cellular phone 1 takes a picture of himself/herself asshown in FIG. 5B. The user can use second display unit 20 as aviewfinder to conduct shooting while confirming the pick-up image.

When a pick-up image is to be displayed at second display unit 20 in ageneral cellular phone, the image is reversed bilaterally to bedisplayed as a mirror reversed image in order to eliminate anyinconvenience during confirmation through the screen. However, cellularphone 1 of the present invention is not limited thereto. Cellular phone1 of the present invention allows the user to take a picture ofhimself/herself even with cellular phone 1 in an open state. However, itis generally considered that shooting in a folded manner is moreconvenient than taking the trouble of opening cellular phone 1.

Antenna unit 25 of cellular phone 1 will be described with reference toFIG. 6. A whip 30 of antenna unit 20 is configured at the left side endof second case 3 in a storable manner. Helical member 26 is exposed atsecond case 3. Whip 30 and helical member 26 can be pulled out fromsecond case 3 in accordance with the radio field intensity duringconversation. The antenna of cellular phone 1 is not limited to theabove-described antenna formed of whip 30 and helical member 26. Forexample, the antenna of cellular phone 1 may be configured having aninversed F type built-in antenna 32 arranged at an upper side near hinge4 of second case 3, as shown in FIG. 7, or arranged at an upper side offirst case 2, as shown in FIG. 7B.

The internal circuitry of cellular phone 1 will be described withreference to FIG. 8. A control unit 40 includes an operation controlunit controlling the operation of various elements constituting cellularphone 1, a shutter button control unit, a backlight control unit, alight control unit and a display control unit. An image processing unit41 includes an amplifier, an A/D (Analog/Digital) converter, and asignal processor. The amplifier amplifies electrical signalscorresponding to RGB sent from camera unit 21 and provides the amplifiedsignals to the A/D converter. The A/D converter converts an electricalsignal (analog) corresponding to RGB amplified at the amplifier into adigital signal to output image data, which is provided to the signalprocessor. The signal processor subjects the image data from the A/Dconverter to signal processing such as pixel interpolation processing.The signal processor transmits the image data subjected to signalprocessing to a first memory 42 based on a control signal from controlunit 40. Camera unit 21 and image processing unit 41 are image sensingmeans converting incident light into an electric signal for output asimage data. First memory 42 temporarily stores image data continuouslysent from the signal processor. Temporary storage is conducted by, forexample, erasing the oldest image data, or by overwriting old image datawith the most recent image data.

Control unit 40 transmits a control signal to first and second displaydrivers 43 and 44, and provides the image data stored in first memory 42to first and second display drivers 43 and 44. First and second drivers43 and 44 apply driving voltages to respective pixel electrodes of firstand second display units 5 and 20 in accordance with the image data thatis to be displayed at first and second display units 50 and 20.

First and second backlights 45 and 46 are formed of light emittingdiodes or the like that are luminous elements to direct light on firstand second display units 5 and 20 to increase the luminance. Turning onand off first and second backlights 45 and 46 as well as luminanceadjustment and the like are under control of control unit 40. First andsecond backlights 45 and 46 can be controlled independent of each other.Control is provided so that first backlight 45 is turned on when animage is to be displayed at first display unit 5, and second backlight46 is turned on when an image is to be displayed at second display unit20. First and second backlights 45 and 46 may be configured to be turnedon until a predetermined operation to turn off is conducted by the useror to be turned off at an elapse of a predetermined period of time frombeing turned on.

First operation button group 47 includes the aforementioned input buttongroup 7 and function button group 8 of second case 3. The secondoperation button group is provided at first case 2, as described before.

First and second shutter buttons 10 and 23 are operated by the user whenimage data that is to be saved among the image data continuouslyprovided and temporarily stored in first memory 42 is to be stored insecond memory 48, whereby a signal designating storage is output tocontrol unit 40. Control unit 40 responds to a designation signal fromfirst and second shutter buttons 10 and 23 to store the image datapresent in first memory 42 into second memory 48. Second memory 48 isidentified as reception means for storing image data from first memory42 as well as various reception data received via antenna unit 25.Second shutter button 23 is arranged so as to be located at the outerside, below second display unit 20 when cellular phone 1 is in a foldedstate. First shutter button 10 is arranged in function button group 8,as shown in FIG. 1. First shutter button 10 may be provided as a unitaryfunction or commonly used with another function button.

Open/close detection unit 49 is identified as detection means fordetecting whether cellular phone 1 is folded or not. A detection switch(not shown) is provided in hinge 4 to send a signal to control unit 40in accordance with the open/close state. Determination is made whethercellular phone 1 attains a folded state or not by control unit 40.

Antenna unit 25 transmits and receives voice data, text data, image dataand the like when establishing radio communication with a base stationthrough radiowaves. A radio unit 50 demodulates data received from abase station via antenna unit 25 in a reception mode, and transmits textdata and image data from a communication control unit 51 to control unit40 based on a predetermined protocol in a transmission mode. Receptiondata from another party received via radio unit 50 and communicationcontrol unit 51 is stored in second memory 48. Cellular phone 1 of FIG.8 is capable of receiving television signals, and includes a branchingfilter 52 to separate signals from antenna unit 25 into the wave forradio communication and the television broadcast signal wave. Branchingfilter 52 transmits the radio communication wave to radio unit 50 andthe television broadcast signal wave to tuner 53. Tuner 53 receiving atelevision broadcast signal wave transmits to signal processing unit 54the signal of a channel received at signal processing circuit 54. Signalprocessing unit 54 separates the signals into video signals and audiosignals. The video signals are output to first or second display unit 50or 20. The audio signals are output to first or second speaker 8 or 28.

Control unit 40 switches the display unit to display an image based onthe image data temporarily stored in first memory 42 in response to thedetected result of open/close detection unit 49. When detection is madethat cellular phone 1 is folded by open/close detection unit 49, controlunit 40 provides the image data from first memory 42 to second displaydriver 44 to display an image at second display unit 20. When detectionis made that cellular phone 1 is not folded (open) by open/closedetection unit 49, control unit 40 provides the image data from firstmemory 42 to first display driver 43 to display an image at firstdisplay unit 5.

Camera unit 21 is provided so as to be located at the outer side whencellular phone 1 is folded. When a picture of a subject other than theuser of cellular phone 1 is to be taken, the user aims camera unit 21with cellular phone 1 in an open state towards the subject locatedopposite to the user, as shown in FIG. 5A. In this context, open/closedetection unit 49 detects that cellular phone 1 is open, i.e., notfolded. Therefore, an image based on image data output from camera unit21 is displayed at first display unit 5. Accordingly, the user can usefirst display unit 5 as the viewfinder in the shooting operation.

In the case where the user of cellular phone 1 is to take a picture ofhimself/herself, the user aims camera unit 21 to himself/herself withcellular phone 1 in a folded state, as shown in FIG. 5B. In thiscontext, open/close detection unit 49 detects that cellular phone 1 isfolded. Therefore, an image based on image data output from camera unit21 is displayed at second display unit 20. Accordingly, the user can usesecond display unit 20 as a viewfinder in the shooting operation.

Cellular phone 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention hasdisplay units 5 and 20 appropriately switched to be used as a viewfinderduring shooting in response to the user just flipping down or flippingup first case 2 while holding second case 3 of cellular phone 1 withhis/her hand to allow shooting. Therefore, the user does not have tochange his/her hand holding position of second case 3 when the subjectto be shot is to be changed, as required in a conventional cellularphone. The extra action of the user when the subject of image pick-up isto be switched can thus be eliminated. The operability and convenienceare improved.

Control of first and second shutter buttons 10 and 23 will be describedhereinafter.

Control unit 40 responds to the detected result of open/close detectionunit 49 to switch between the valid shutter button for depression.Specifically, when open/close detection unit 49 detects that cellularphone 1 is folded, control unit 40 places the depression of secondshutter button 23 valid. When open/close detection unit 49 detects thatcellular phone 1 is open, control unit 40 places the depression of firstshutter button 10 valid and the depression of second shutter button 23invalid. Placing the depression of first and second shutter buttons 10and 23 invalid can be realized by various ways such as locking first andsecond shutter buttons 10 and 23 to disable operation by the user,suppressing output of a designation signal from first and second shutterbuttons 20 and 23 to control unit 50 without locking first and secondshutter buttons 10 and 23, or inhibiting control unit 40 from processinga designation signal from first and second shutter buttons 10 and 23.

Since camera unit 21 is located at the outer side when cellular phone 1is folded, the user will aim camera unit 21 towards a subject locatedopposite to the user with cellular phone 1 open when a picture of asubject other than the user of cellular phone 1 is to be taken. In thiscontext, open/close detection unit 49 detects that cellular phone 1 isopen. Therefore, designation from first shutter button 10 is placedvalid. The user operates first shutter button 10 arranged at the sameside as first display unit 5 while looking at first display unit 5functioning as a viewfinder.

When the user of cellular phone 1 is to take a picture ofhimself/herself, the user can aim camera unit 21 towards himself/herselfwith cellular phone 1 in a folded state. In this context, open/closedetection unit 49 detects that cellular phone 1 is folded. Therefore,designation from second shutter button 23 is placed valid. The useroperates second shutter button 23 arranged at the same outer side assecond display unit 20 while looking at second display unit 20functioning as a viewfinder.

Thus, by just folding or opening cellular phone 1, designation fromfirst shutter button 10 or second shutter button 23 located at the sameside as first display unit 5 or second display unit 20 that is currentlyused is placed valid. Therefore, the user can easily identify anddepress first shutter button 10 or second shutter button 23 whileconfirming the image through first or second display unit 5 or 20. Theoperability of the cellular phone is improved.

In general, a shutter button located at a side opposite to the displayunit used as a viewfinder is not easily discernable by the user. Thereis a possibility of erroneous depression when the user is holdingcellular phone 1 to conduct an operation other than depression of ashutter button. In the present embodiment, designation from secondbutter button 23 located at a side opposite to first display unit 5 usedas a viewfinder is rendered invalid by just opening cellular phone 1.Therefore, inadvertent operation of the user can be prevented.

When detection is made of cellular phone 1 attaining a open state,depression of second shutter button 23 can be rendered valid instead ofinvalid. In this case, the user can operate any of first and secondshutter buttons 10 and 23. Since first shutter button 10 is arranged atthe inner side when in a folded state, the user cannot operate firstshutter button when cellular phone 1 attains a folded state. Therefore,when open/close detection unit 49 detects that cellular phone 1 isfolded, the depression of first shutter button 10 may be rendered eithervalid or invalid.

Control of first and second backlights 45 and 46 will be describedhereinafter.

Control unit 40 switches the on/off of first and second backlights 45and 46 based on the detected result of open/close detection unit 49.When open/close detection unit 49 detects that cellular phone 1 isfolded, control unit 40 turns on second backlight 46 to increase theluminance of second display unit 20. When open/close detection unit 49detects that cellular phone 1 is open, control unit 40 turns on firstbacklight 45 to increase the luminance of first display unit 5.

Thus, when the user is to take a picture of a subject other thanhimself/herself, first display unit 5 is used as the viewfinder. Imagedata entered from camera unit 21 is displayed at first display unit 5.In this case, first backlight 45 is turned on to increase the luminanceof first display unit 5.

When the user of cellular phone 1 is to take a picture ofhimself/herself, second display unit 20 is used as a viewfinder. Inagedata entered from camera unit 21 is displayed at second display unit 20.In this case, second backlight 46 is turned on to increase the luminanceof second display unit 20.

Since the backlight supplying light to the display unit that is used asthe viewfinder is turned on or off corresponding to cellular phone 1 ina folded or open state, a better view of the displayed image is providedto improve visual confirmation.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an image sensing process carried out incellular phone 1. Description is mainly based on a pick-up image beingrotated 180° when shooting is conducted with cellular phone 1 in afolded state. Cellular phone 1 can attain a shootable state, i.e., entera shooting mode, through a predetermined operation either from a foldedstate or an open state.

At step S1, control unit 40 determines whether cellular phone 1 isfolded or not based on the detected result from open/close detectionunit 49. When cellular phone 1 is open and not folded, control proceedsto step S2, otherwise, to step S8. At step S2, first backlight 45 isturned on. At step S3, image data entered through image pick-up unit 2is displayed at first display unit 5. Then, control proceeds to step S4.

At step S4, control unit 40 determines whether cellular phone 1 isfolded or not based on the detected result of open/close detection unit49. If cellular phone 1 is open, control proceeds to step S5. Ifcellular phone attains a folded state, the lighting of first backlight45 and image display at first display unit 5 are suppressed. Thencontrol proceeds to step S8.

At step S5, control unit 40 places the depression of second shutterbutton 23 invalid, and detects whether first shutter button 10 isdepressed or not. If first shutter button 10 is depressed, controlproceeds to step S6, otherwise, to step S7. At step S6, image datatemporarily stored in first memory 42 is stored in second memory 48.Then, control proceeds to step S7. At step S7, control unit 40determines whether a predetermined operation to terminate the shootingmode has been conducted by the user or not. If this operation has beenconducted, the process ends, otherwise, control returns to step S4. Whenthe shooting mode is terminated, predetermined awaiting screens or thelike are displayed at first and second display units 5 and 20.

When determination is made of cellular phone 1 being folded by controlunit 40 at step S1, control proceeds to step S8 to turn on secondbacklight 46. At step S9, image data entered through camera unit 21 isdisplayed at second display unit 20. Then, control proceeds to step S10.

At step S10, control unit 40 determines whether cellular phone 1 isfolded or not based on the detection result of open/close detection unit49. If cellular phone 1 is open, the lighting of second backlight 46 andimage display at second display unit 20 are suppressed. Then, controlproceeds to step S2. If cellular phone 1 is folded, control proceeds tostep S11.

At step S11, control unit 40 detects whether second shutter button 23 isdepressed or not. If depressed, control proceeds to step S12, otherwiseto step S13. At step S12, a 180° rotated version of the image datatemporarily stored in first memory 42 is stored into second memory 48.Then control proceeds to step S13.

The rotation of 180° is conducted since camera 21 is oriented upsidedown between an open state and a closed state of cellular phone 1. Byhaving the image data that is taken in a folded state rotated 180° to bestored in second memory 48, that image data will not appear in an upsidedown manner when subsequently displayed at either first or seconddisplay unit 5 or 20. At step S13, control unit 40 determines whether apredetermined operation to terminate the shooting mode has beenconducted by the user or not. If this predetermined operation has beenconducted, the process ends, otherwise, control returns to step S10.When the shooting mode ends, predetermined awaiting screens aredisplayed at first and second display units 5 and 20.

Since the display unit used as a viewfinder during shooting is switchedappropriately in response to cellular phone 1 being opened/closed, theuser does not have to conduct any button operation to switch thedisplay. The extra action for switching is eliminated. Thus, theoperability and convenience are improved. Since depression of theshutter button located at the same side as the display unit functioningas a viewfinder is placed valid in response to detection of cellularphone 1 being opened/closed, depression of a shutter button can bereliably effected while viewing through the viewfinder. Thus, theoperability is improved. Furthermore, since depression of the shutterbutton located opposite to the side where the display unit functioningas a viewfinder is disabled, erroneous operation such as depressing theshutter button inadvertently can be prevented. In response to detectionof cellular phone 1 being opened/closed, the backlight of the displayunit functioning as a viewfinder is turned on to provide a better viewof the image. Therefore, visual confirmation is improved. When shootingis conducted in a folded state, the image data is rotated 180 degrees tobe stored in second memory 48. This prevents the stored image data frombeing displayed upside down when viewed afterwards.

In FIGS. 1-5, description is provided based on the case where first andsecond displays units 5 and 20 are arranged at first case 2. The presentinvention is not limited thereto. First and second display units 5 and20 may be arranged so that one is located at the inner side and theother is located at the other side when cellular phone 1 is folded.

Although cellular phone 1 of the present embodiment is described ashaving the picked-up image rotated 180 degrees to be saved when an imageis shot in a folded state, the present invention is not limited thereto.Conversely, the image taken with cellular phone 1 in a folded state canbe directly stored, whereas the image taken with cellular phone 1 in anopen state is rotated 180° to be stored. In this case, image data isrotated 180° at step S6 of FIG. 9 and then stored in memory 48.

An embodiment of the present invention was described based on a cellularphone 1. It will be understood that such description is merelyexemplary, and is equally applicable to a structure such as a notebooktype personal computer (PC), a PDA (Personal Digital System), or thelike, configured in a foldable manner, and that includes an imagepick-up unit as well as respective display units arranged at an innerside and outer side when in a folded state.

Furthermore, switching the display unit to be enabled for display is notlimited to the case where display units 5 and 20 are used asviewfinders. Switching the display unit for providing a predetermineddisplay at display units 5 and 20 may be conducted upon detectingwhether cellular phone 1 is open or closed.

In the above-described embodiment of the present invention, camera unit21 is arranged at the same first case 2 as second display unit 20.Camera unit 21 may be provided on the surface of hinge 4 as long asvisual confirmation together with second display unit 20 is allowed atthe same time when cellular phone 1 attains a folded state.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated indetail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustrationand example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spiritand scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms ofthe appended claims.

1. A mobile apparatus comprising: a first case; a second case; acoupling unit for coupling said first and second cases in a foldablemanner, wherein said mobile apparatus attains a folded state and an openstate by said first and second cases pivoting about said coupling unit,and said first case includes a main display unit located at an innerside when said mobile apparatus is in said folded state, and an imagepick-up unit located at an outer side when said mobile apparatus is insaid folded state, wherein said image pick-up unit is capable ofpicking-up image data in both said folded and open states; said mobileapparatus further comprising a detector for detecting whether saidmobile apparatus is in said folded state or said open state; a firstmemory for storing said image data picked up through said image pick-upunit; and a display control unit for controlling display operations ofsaid main display unit, wherein said display control unit to storerotating 180° the image picked up by said image pick-up unit in saidfolded state to image picked up by said image pick-up unit in said openstate and store said rotated image, wherein said first case furtherincludes a sub display unit located at an outer side when said mobileapparatus is in said folded state, wherein said image pick-up unitlocated at a position also allowing visual confirmation of said subdisplay unit when said mobile apparatus is in folded state.
 2. Themobile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first case includesan operation unit to operate for display at said sub display unit,located at an outer side when said mobile apparatus is in said foldedstate.
 3. The mobile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said mobileapparatus further comprises a second memory for storing text data, saiddisplay control unit causes said sub display unit to display the textcorresponding to said text data stored in said second memory such that atop of the text in an upright orientation is located at said upper sideof said sub display unit adjacent to said coupling unit in said foldedstate.
 4. The mobile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said imagepick-up unit disposed between said coupling unit and said sub displayunit.
 5. The mobile apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said firstcase further includes a sub display unit located at an outer side whensaid mobile apparatus is in said folded state, said display control unitcontrols display operations of said main and sub display units based onthe detected state by said detector, and causes said sub display unit todisplay the image corresponding to said image data stored in said firstmemory such that a top of the image in an upright orientation is locatedat an upper side of said sub display unit adjacent to said coupling unitin said folded state and causes said main display unit to display theimage such that a bottom of the image in an upright orientation islocated at an lower side of said main display unit adjacent to saidcoupling unit in said open state.
 6. A mobile apparatus comprising: afirst case; a second case; a coupling unit for coupling said first andsecond cases in a foldable manner, wherein said mobile apparatus attainsa folded state and an open state by said first and second cases pivotingabout said coupling unit, and said first case includes a main displayunit located at an inner side when said mobile apparatus is in saidfolded state, and an image pick-up unit located at an outer side whensaid mobile apparatus is in said folded state, wherein said imagepick-up unit is capable of picking-up image data in both said folded andopen states; said mobile apparatus further comprising a detector fordetecting whether said mobile apparatus is in said folded state or saidopen state; a first memory for storing said image data picked up throughsaid image pick-up unit; and a display control unit for controllingdisplay operations of said main display unit, wherein said displaycontrol unit to store rotating 180° the image picked up by said imagepick-up unit in said folded state to image picked up by said imagepick-up unit in said open state and store said rotated image, whereinsaid first case further includes a sub display unit located at an outerside when said mobile apparatus is in said folded state, wherein saidfirst case includes an operation unit to operate for display at said subdisplay unit, located at an outer side when said mobile apparatus is insaid folded state.
 7. The mobile apparatus according to claim 6, whereinsaid mobile apparatus further comprises a second memory for storing textdata, said display control unit causes said sub display unit to displaythe text corresponding to said text data stored in said second memorysuch that a top of the text in an upright orientation is located at saidupper side of said sub display unit adjacent to said coupling unit insaid folded state.
 8. The mobile apparatus according to claim 6, whereinsaid image pick-up unit disposed between said coupling unit and said subdisplay unit.
 9. The mobile apparatus according to claim 6, wherein saidfirst case further includes a sub display unit located at an outer sidewhen said mobile apparatus is in said folded state, said display controlunit controls display operations of said main and sub display unitsbased on the detected state by said detector, and causes said subdisplay unit to display the image corresponding to said image datastored in said first memory such that a top of the image in an uprightorientation is located at an upper side of said sub display unitadjacent to said coupling unit in said folded state and causes said maindisplay unit to display the image such that a bottom of the image in anupright orientation is located at an lower side of said main displayunit adjacent to said coupling unit in said open state.
 10. A mobileapparatus comprising: a first case; a second case; a coupling unit forcoupling said first and second cases in a foldable manner, wherein saidmobile apparatus attains a folded state and an open state by said firstand second cases pivoting about said coupling unit, and said first caseincludes a main display unit located at an inner side when said mobileapparatus is in said folded state, and an image pick-up unit located atan outer side when said mobile apparatus is in said folded state,wherein said image pick-up unit is capable of picking-up image data inboth said folded and open states; said mobile apparatus furthercomprising a detector for detecting whether said mobile apparatus is insaid folded state or said open state; a first memory for storing saidimage data picked up through said image pick-up unit; and a displaycontrol unit for controlling display operations of said main displayunit, wherein said display control unit to store rotating 180° the imagepicked up by said image pick-up unit in said folded state to imagepicked up by said image pick-up unit in said open state and store saidrotated image, wherein said first case further includes a sub displayunit located at an outer side when said mobile apparatus is in saidfolded state, wherein said image pick-up unit disposed between saidcoupling unit and said sub display unit.
 11. The mobile apparatusaccording to claim 10, wherein said mobile apparatus further comprises asecond memory for storing text data, said display control unit causessaid sub display unit to display the text corresponding to said textdata stored in said second memory such that a top of the text in anupright orientation is located at said upper side of said sub displayunit adjacent to said coupling unit in said folded state.
 12. The mobileapparatus according to claim 10, wherein said first case furtherincludes a sub display unit located at an outer side when said mobileapparatus is in said folded state, said display control unit controlsdisplay operations of said main and sub display units based on thedetected state by said detector, and causes said sub display unit todisplay the image corresponding to said image data stored in said firstmemory such that a top of the image in an upright orientation is locatedat an upper side of said sub display unit adjacent to said coupling unitin said folded state and causes said main display unit to display theimage such that a bottom of the image in an upright orientation islocated at an lower side of said main display unit adjacent to saidcoupling unit in said open state.